Catalyst system of enhanced productivity

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to catalyst systems, and a method for using such system, for the enhanced production of homo and copolymer products of olefin, diolefin and/or acetylenically unsaturated monomers. This invention catalyst system comprises a Group III-A element compound for improving the productivity of an olefin polymerization catalyst which is the reaction product of a metallocene of a Group IV-B transition metal and an ionic activator compound comprising a cation capable of donating a proton which will irreversibly react with at least one ligand contained in the Group IV-B metal compound and an anion which is bulky, labile and noncoordinateable with the Group IV transition metal cation produced upon reaction of the metallocene and activator compound to form the catalyst component of the catalyst system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of copending U.S. application Ser.No. 496,378 filed Mar. 20, 1990 and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,153,157, whichis a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No.133,480 filed Dec. 22, 1987 and now abandoned. U.S. Ser. No. 133,480 isin turn a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 008,800 filed Jan. 30,1987 and now abandoned.

Background of the Invention

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the use of organometallic compounds forimproving the productivity of ionic metallocene olefin polymerizationcatalysts. These catalysts are the reaction product of metallocenes of aGroup IV-B transition metal and ionic activator compounds. These ionicmetallocene catalyst systems have enhanced productivity over similarcatalysts not using the organometallic compounds. These catalysts areuseful for the polymerization of olefins, diolefins, cyclic olefins andacetylenically unsaturated monomers to polyolefins having narrowmolecular weight distributions and higher weight average molecularweights than heretofore attainable with a like metallocene which isactivated to an active catalyst species of reaction with an aluminumalkyl or alumoxane cocatalyst.

2. Background

Ziegler-Natta type catalyst for the polymerization of olefins are wellknown. The traditional Ziegler-Natta type soluble systems comprise ametal halide activated to a catalyst species by reaction with a metalalkyl cocatalyst, particularly an aluminum alkyl cocatalyst. Theactivation of these traditional heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalystsgenerates a variety of different active sites. As a consequence of thisnon-uniformity of the active sites, the catalysts produce polymerproducts having a broad molecular weight distribution (MWD).Furthermore, the polymer product exhibit broad composition distribution(CD), poor comonomer incorporation and block sequence distribution.

Recently it has been found that active catalysts are formed with abis(cyclopentadienyl) compound of the Group IV-B metals, includingzirconium and hafnium, is activated by an alumoxane. Themetallocene-alumoxane catalysts, whether homogeneous or supported,generally possess high activity and are more versatile than conventionalZiegler-Natta type catalysts in that they may be effectively used toproduce a variety of polymer products including, for example, highdensity linear polyethylene (HDPE), linear low density polyethylene(LLDPE), ethylene-propylene copolymer (EP), non-crystallinepolypropylene and crystalline polypropylene. The metallocene-alumoxanecatalysts also offer the significant advantage over the traditionalZiegler-Natta catalysts of being able to produce polymers with narrowMWD.

While the metallocene-alumoxane catalysts do offer significantadvantages over the traditional Ziegler-Natta catalysts, theynevertheless have limitations in practical commercial applications.These limitations include the relatively high cost of the alumoxanecocatalysts. Alumoxane is also air sensitive and difficult tomanipulate. Furthermore, the metallocene-alumoxane catalyst, whileproducing a narrow MWD polymer product, have a limited capability toproduce high molecular weight polymers or polymers having a highcomonomer content.

European Patent Application 277,003 and 277,004 (1988), which are herebyincorporated by reference, describe a further advance in metallocenecatalysts: new metallocene catalysts which do not require either analkyl aluminum or an alumoxane as an activator. The Group IV-Bmetallocene catalysts are prepared as a reaction product of a Group IV-Bmetal metallocene compound and an ionic activator compound. The ionicactivator comprises a cation having a donatable proton or which willirreversibly react with at least one ligand contained in the Group IV-Bmetal compound and a labile, bulky anion. The bulk of said anion is suchthat upon reaction of the donatable proton with a substituent of abid(cyclopentadienyl) Group IV-B metal compound, which reacts withproton forming a group IV-B metal cation, the anion of the activator issterically hindered from covalently coordinating to the Group IV-B metalcation. Hence, as described in our copending applications, an activecatalytic species of a metallocene is formed, namely an ionic paircomprising a metallocene transition metal cation paired with anoncoordinating anion of the activator component.

The new metallocene catalyst systems (hereafter referred to as an "ionicmetallocene catalysts") eliminate the need for an expensive alumoxaneactivator. The ionic metallocene catalyst also offer other advantagesover the metallocene-alumoxane catalysts such as permitting theproduction of polyolefine products of narrow MWD and of significantlyhigher weight average molecular weight at high rates of catalyticactivity while also permitting better incorporation of comonomers andthe control of the chain end chemistry of the polymer products.

It is believed that the active catalytic species in the metallocenealumoxane catalysts is an ion pair. It is also believed that this ionpair active species is formed through a Lewis acid-Lewis base reactionof two neutral components (the metallocene and the alumoxane) leading toan equilibrium between a neutral, apparently catalytically inactiveadduct, and an ion pair complex which is presumably the active catalyst.As a result of this equilibrium, there is a competition for the anionwhich must be present to stabilize the active Group IV-B metal cation ofthe active catalyst species. In the case of the ionic metallocenecatalyst described herein, the metallocene and the activator reactirreversibly and the equilibrium almost exclusively favors thecatalytically active ion pair complex. Hence, the new ionic metallocenecatalyst has a very high activity and is able to produce polyolefinproducts of high molecular weight and narrow molecular weightdistribution.

It has been discovered that the activity of the active catalytic ionpair species of our ionic catalyst can be unexpectedly and significantlyimproved by removing impurities contained in the polymerization diluentor the monomer supply, catalyst is used. The most prominent impuritiespresent in a polymerization diluent and/or a monomer are oxygen andwater. Despite the most elaborate control, some, although minute,quantity of such impurities will invariably be present in apolymerization diluent and/or the monomer supply.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a catalyst system comprising an ionic metallocenecatalyst and an additive which removes impurities which may deactivatethe ionic metallocene catalysts. The catalyst system, like the ionicmetallocene catalyst without additives disclosed in European PatentApplications 277,003 and 277,004 (1988) permits the production ofpolyolefins of high molecular weight and narrow molecular weightdistribution (MWD). Moreover, the polyolefin products of the catalystsystem have a narrow comonomer distribution (CD) approaching randomnessand improved sequence distribution of comonomers as compared to theproducts of prior art metallocene-alumoxane supported catalysts.Further, like the ionic metallocene catalysts of the copendingapplications, the catalyst systems are useful in the polymerization ofolefins, diolefins, and/or acetylenically unsaturated monomers eitheralone or in combination with each other. However, the addition of anadditive which neutralizes those impurities capable of deactivating theactive catalytic sites of the ionic metallocene catalyst provides acatalyst system of greatly improved productivity without significantlyaffecting molecular weight or extent of comonomer incorporation.

The additive component of the catalyst system can be any material whichwill neutralize the undesirable impurities without adversely affectingthe catalyst.

IONIC CATALYST SYSTEM--GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The process of this invention is practiced with that class of ioniccatalysts referred to, disclosed, and described in European PatentApplications 277,003 and 277,004. The ionic catalyst is prepared bycombining at least two components. The first of these is abis(cyclopentadienyl) derivative of a Group IV-B metal compoundcontaining at least one ligand which will combine with the secondcomponent or at least a portion thereof such as a cation portionthereof. The second component is an ion-exchange compound comprising acation which will irreversibly react with at least one ligand containedin said Group IV-B metal compound and a noncoordinating anion which isbulky, labile, and stable. Upon combination of the first and secondcomponents, the cation of the second component reacts with one of theligands of the first component, thereby generating an ion pairconsisting of a Group IV-B metal cation with a formal coordinationnumber of 3 and a valence of +4 and the aforementioned anion, whichanion is compatible with and non-coordinating towards the metal cationformed from the first component. The anion of the second compound mustbe capable of stabilizing the Group IV-B metal cation complex withoutinterfering with the Group IV-B metal cation's or its compositionproduct's ability to function as a catalyst and must be sufficientlylabile to permit displacement by an olefin, diolefin or anacetylenically unsaturated monomer during polymerization.

A. The Metallocene Component

The Group IV-B metal compounds, useful as first compounds in the ioniccatalyst system employed in the process of this invention are thebis(cyclopentadienyl) derivatives of titanium, zirconium and hafniumcompounds may be represented by the following general formulae:

    (A--Cp)MX.sub.z X.sub.x                                    ( 1)

    --(A--Cp)MX.sub.1 X.sub.2                                  ( 2)

    (A--Cp)Ml                                                  (3)

    --(Cp)(RCp)MX.sub.1

wherein: M is a metal selected from the Group consisting of titanium(Ti), zirconium (Zr) and hafnium (Hf); (A--Cp) is either (Cp)(Cp*) orCp--A'--Cp* and Cp and Cp* are the same or different substituted orunsubstituted cyclopentadienyl radicals, R is a substituent covalentlybonded to the the cyclopentadiene ring and wherein A' is a covalentbridging group; L is an olefin, diolefin or aryne ligand; X₁ and X₂ are,independently, selected from the Group consisting of hydride radicals,hydrocarbyl radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms,substituted-hydrocarbyl radicals, wherein one or more of the hydrogenatoms are replaced with a halogen atom, having from 1 to about 20 carbonatoms, organo-metalloid radicals comprising a Group IV-A element whereineach of the hydrocarbyl substituents contained in the organo-portion ofsaid organo-metalloid, independently, contain from 1 to about 20 carbonatoms and the like; X'₁ and X'₂ are joined and bound to the metal atomsto form a metallacycle, in which the metal, X'₁ and X'₂ form ahydrocarbocyclic ring containing from about 3 to about 20 carbon atoms;and R is a substituent, preferably a hydrocarbyl substituent, havingfrom 1 to 20 carbon atoms, on one of the cyclopentadienyl radicals whichis also bound to the metal atom.

Each carbon atom in the cyclopentadienyl radical may be, independently,unsubstituted (H) or substituted with the same or a different radicalselected from the Group consisting of hydrocarbyl radicals,substituted-hydrocarbyl radicals wherein one or more hydrogen atoms isreplaced by a halogen atom, hydrocarbyl-substituted metalloid radicalswherein the metalloid is selected from Group IV-A of the Periodic Tableof the Elements, halogen radicals and the like. Suitable hydrocarbyl andsubstituted-hydrocarbyl radicals which may be substituted for at leastone hydrogen atom in the cyclopentadienyl radical will contain from 1toabout 20 carbon atoms and include straight and branched alkyl radicals,cyclic hydrocarbon radicals, alkyl-substituted aromatic radicals.Similarly, and when X₁ and/or X₂ is a hydrocarbyl orsubstituted-hydrocarbyl radical, each may, independently, contain from 1to about 20 carbon atoms and be a straight or branched alkyl radical, acyclic hydrocarbyl radical, an alkyl-substituted cyclic hydrocarbylradical, an aromatic radical or an alkyl-substituted aromatic radical.Suitable organo-metalloid radicals include mono-, or di- andtrisubstituted organo-metalloid radicals of Group IV-A elements whereineach of the hydrocarbyl Groups contain from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms.Suitable organo-metalloid radicals include trimethylsilyl,tri-ethysilyl, ethyldimethylsilyl, methyldiethylsily, triphenylgermyl,trimethylgermyl and the like.

Illustrative, but not limiting examples ofbis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium compounds which may be used in thepreparation of the improved catalyst of this invention aredihydrocarbyl-substituted bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium compounds suchas bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium diethyl, bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconiumdipropyl, bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dibutyl,bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium diphenyl, bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconiumdineopentyl, bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium di(m-tolyl),bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium di(p-tolyl) and the like;(monohydrocarbyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl)zirconium compounds suchas (methylcyclopentadienyl)cyclopentadienyl) andbis(methylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl, (ethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) and bis(ethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(propylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(propylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl, (n-butylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) and bis(n-butylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(t-butylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(t-butylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(cyclohexylmethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(cyclohexylmethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(benzylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(benzylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(diphenylmethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(diphenylmethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(methylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(methylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(ethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(ethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(propylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(propylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(n-butylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(n-butylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(t-butylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(t-butylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(cyclohexylmethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(cyclohexylmethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(benzylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(benzylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(diphenylmethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(diphenylmethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride and the like;(polyhydrocarbyl-substituted-cyclopentadienyl) zirconium compounds suchas (dimethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(dimethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(trimethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trimethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(permethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(permethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(ethyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(ethyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(indenyl)(cyclopentadienyl) and bis(idenyl)zirconium dimethyl,(dimethylcyclopentadienyl) and (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(dimethylcyclopentadienyl) zirconium dihydride,(trimethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trimethylcyclopentadienyl) zirconium dihydride,(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(permethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(permethylcyclopentadienyl) zirconium dihydride,(ethyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(ethyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl) zirconium dihydride,(indenyl)(cyclopentadienyl) and bis(indenyl)zirconium(propylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) and(bis(proylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(n-butylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(n-butylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(t-butylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(t-butylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(cyclohexylmethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(cyclohexylmethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(benzylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(benzylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(diphenylmethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(diphenylmethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride and the like;(polyhydrocarbyl-substituted-cyclopentadienyl) zirconium compounds suchas (dimethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(dimethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(trimethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trimethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(permethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(permethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(ethyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(ethyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(indenyl)(cyclopentadienyl) and bis(indenyl)zirconium dimethyl,(dimethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(dimethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(trimethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trimethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl) (cyclopentadienyl) andbis(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(permethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(permethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(ethyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(ethyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(indenyl)(cyclopentadienyl) and bis(indenyl)zirconium dihydride and thelike; (metal hydrocarbyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl)zirconiumcompounds such as (trimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(trimethylgermylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trimethylgermylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(trimethylstannylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trimethylstannylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(trimethylplumbylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trimethylplumbylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,(trimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(trimethylgermylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trimethylgermylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(trimethylstannylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trimethylstannylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride,(trimethylplumbylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trimethylplumbylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride and the like;(halogen-substituted-cyclopentadienyl) zirconium compounds such as(trifluoromethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trifluoromethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl(trifluoromethylcyclopentadienyl)(cyclopentadienyl) andbis(trifluoromethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride and the like;silyl-substituted bis(cyclopentadienyl) zirconium compounds such asbis(cyclopentadienyl) (trimethylsilyl)(methyl)zirconium,bis(cyclopentadienyl) (triphenylsilyl)(methyl)zirconium,bis(cyclopentadienyl) [tris((dimethylsilyl)silyl](methyl)zirconium,bis(cyclopentadienyl) [bis(mesityl)silyl](methyl)zirconium,bis(cyclopentadienyl)(trimethylsilyl)trimethylsilylmethyl) zirconium,bis(cyclopentadienyl) (trimethylsilylbenzyl) and the like;(bridged-cyclopentadienyl)zirconium compounds such as methylenebis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl,methylene(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl, ethylenebis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl, dimethylsilylbis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride, ethylenebis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride and dimethylsilylbis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydride and the like; chiral and C₂-symmetry compounds; "zirconacycles": asymetricallybridged-dicyclopentadienyl compounds such asmethylene(cyclopentadienyl)(1-fluoroenyl)zirconium dimethyl,dimethylsily(cyclopentadienyl)(1-fluorenyl)zirconium dihydride,isopropyl(cyclopentadienyl)(1-fluorenyl)zirconium dimethyl,isopropyl(cyclopentadienyl)1-octahydrofluorenyl)zirconium dimethyl,dimethylsil)(methylcyclopentadienyl)(1-fluoroenyl)zirconium dihydride,methylene(cyclopentadienyl(tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconiumdimethyl and the like: racemic and meso isomers of symmetrically bridgedsubstituted dicyclopentadienyl compounds such asethylenebis(indenyl)zirconium dimethyl,dimethylsilylbis(indenyl)zirconium dimethyl,ethylenebis(tetrahydroindenyl)zirconium dimethyl,dimethylsilylbis(3-trimethylsilylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dihydrideand the like;

zirconacycles such as bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconacyclobutane, bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconacyclopentane, bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconaindane,1-bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconia-3-dimethylsila-cyclobutane and the like;olefin, diolefin and aryne ligand substitutedbis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium compounds such as bis(cyclopentadienyl)(1,3-butadiene)zirconium, bis(cyclopentadienyl)(2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene)zirconium,bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)(benzene)zirconium and the like;(hydrocarbyl)(hydride) bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium compounds such asbis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium (phenyl)(hydride),bis(pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium (methyl)(hydride) and thelike; and bis(cyclopentadienyl) zirconium compounds in which asubstituted on the cyclopentadienyl radical is bound to the metal suchas (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) (tetramethylcyclopentadienylmethylene)zirconium hydride, (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)(tetramethylcyclopentadienylmethylne)zirconium phenyl and the like.

A similar list of illustrative bis(cyclopentadienyl) hafnium andbis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium compounds could be made, but since thelists would be nearly identical to that already presented with respectto bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium compounds, such lists are not deemedessential to a complete disclosure. Other bis(cyclopentadienyl)hafniumcompounds and other bis(cyclopentadienyl)titanium compounds as well asother bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium compounds which are useful in thecatalyst compositions of this invention will, of course, be apparent tothose skilled in the art.

B. The Activator Component

Compounds useful as an activator component in the preparation of thecatalyst of this invention will comprise a cation, which is a Bronstedacid capable of donating a proton or which will irreversibly react withat least one ligand contained in the Group IV-B metal compound and acompatible noncoordinating anion which anion is relatively large(bulky), capable of stabilizing the active catalyst species (the GroupIV-B cation) which is formed when the two compounds are combined andsaid anion will be sufficiently labile to e displaced by olefinic,diolefinic and acetylenically unsaturated substrates or other neutralLewis bases such as ethers, nitriles and the like. Two classes ofcompatible non-coordinating anions have been disclosed in EuropeanPatent Applications 277,003 and 277,004: 1) anionic coordinationcomplexes comprising a plurality of lipophilic radicals covalentlycoordinated to and shielding a central charge-bearing metal or metalloidcore, and 2) anions comprising a plurality of boron atoms such ascarboranes, metallacarboranes and boranes.

In general, the activator compounds containing single anioniccoordination complexes which are useful in this invention may berepresented by the following general formula:

    [L'--H).sup.+ ].sub.d [(M').sup.m+ Q.sub.1 Q.sub.2. . . Q.sub.n ].sup.d-( 5)

wherein:

L' is a neutral Lewis base;

H is a hydrogen atom;

[L'--H] is a Bronsted acid;

M' is a metal or metalloid selected from the Groups subtended by GroupsV-B to V-A of the Periodic Table of the Elements; i.e., Groups V-B,VI-B, VII-B, VIII, I-B, II-B, III-A, IV-A, and V-A;

Q₁ to Q_(n) are selected, independently, from the Group consisting ofhydride radicals, dialkylamido radicals, alkoxide and aryloxideradicals, hydrocarbyl and substituted-hydrocarbyl radicals andorganometalloid radicals and any one, but not more than one, of Q₁ toQ_(n) may be a halide radical, the remaining Q₁ to Q_(n) being,independently, selected from the foregoing radicals;

m is an integer from 1 to 7;

n is an integer from 2 to 8; and n-m=d.

As indicated above, any metal or metalloid capable of forming an anioniccomplex which is stable in water may be used or contained in the anionof the second compound. Suitable metals, then, include, but are notlimited to, aluminum, gold, platinum and the like. Suitable metalloidsinclude, but are not limited to, boron, phosphorus, silicon and thelike. Compounds containing anions which comprise coordination complexescontaining a single metal or metalloid atom are, of course, well knownand many, particularly such compounds containing a single boron atom inthe anion portion, are available commercially. In light of this, saltscontaining anions comprising a coordination complex containing a singleboron atom are preferred.

The preferred activator compounds comprising boron may be represented bythe following general formula:

    [L'H].sup.+ [BAr.sub.1 Ar.sub.2 X.sub.3 X.sub.4 ].sup.-    ( 5A)

wherein

L' is a neutral Lewis base;

H is a hydrogen atom;

[L'--H]⁺ is a Bronsted acid;

B is boron in a valence state of 3;

Ar₁ and Ar₂ are the same or different aromatic or substituted-aromatichydrocarbon radicals containing from about 6 to about 20 carbon atomsand may be linked to each other through a stable bridging group; and

X₃ and X₄ are radicals selected, independently, from the groupconsisting of hydride radicals, halide radicals, with the proviso thatX₃ and X₄ will not be halide at the same time, hydrocarbyl radicalscontaining from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, substituted-hydrocarbylradicals, wherein one or more of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by ahalogen atom, containing from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms,hydrocarbyl-substituted metal (organometalloid) radicals wherein eachhydrocarbyl substitution contains from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms,hydrocarbyl-substituted metal (organometalloid) radicals wherein eachhydrocarbyl substitution contains from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms andsaid metal is selected from Group IV-A of the Periodic Table of theElements and the like.

In general, Ar₁ and Ar₂ may, independently, be any aromatic orsubstituted-aromatic hydrocarbon radical containing from about 6 toabout 20 carbon atoms. Suitable aromatic radicals include, but are notlimited to, phenyl, naphthyl and anthracenyl radicals. Suitablesubstituents on the substituted-aromatic hydrocarbon radicals, include,but are not necessarily limited to, hydrocarbyl radicals,organometalloid radicals, alkoxy radicals, alkylamido radicals, fluoroand fluorohydrocarbyl radicals and the like such as those useful as X₃and X₄. The substituent may be ortho, meta or para, relative to thecarbon atoms bonded to the boron atom. When either or both X₃ and X₄ area hydrocarbyl radical, each may be the same or a different aromatic orsubstituted-aromatic radical as are Ar₁ and Ar₂, or the same way be astraight or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl radical having from 1 toabout 20 carbon atoms, a cyclic hydrocarbon radical having from about 5to about 8 carbon atoms or an alkyl-substituted cyclic hydrocarbonradical having from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms. X₃ and X₄ mayalso, independently, be alkoxy or dialkylamido radicals wherein thealkyl portion of said alkoxy and dialkylamido radicals contain from 1 toabout 20 carbon atoms, hydrocarbyl radicals and organometalloid radicalshaving from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms and the like. As indicated above,Ar₁ and Ar₂ may be linked to each other. Similarly, either or both ofAr₁ and Ar₂ could be linked to either X₃ or X₄. Finally, X₃ or X₄ mayalso be linked to each other through a suitable bridging group.

Illustrative, but not limiting, examples of boron compounds which may beused as an activator component in the preparation of the improvedcatalysts of this invention are trialkyl-substituted ammonium salts suchas triethylammonium tetra(phenyl)boron, tripropylammoniumtetra(phenyl)boron, tri(n-butyl)ammonium tetra(phenyl)boron,trimethylammonium tetra(p-tolyl)boron, trimethylammoniumtetra(o-toly)boron, tributylammonium tetra(pentafluorophenyl)boron,tripropylammonium tetra(o,p-dimethylphenyl)boron, tributylammoniumtetra(m,m-dimethylphenyl)boron, tributylammoniumtetra(p-tri-fluoromethylphenyl)boron, tri(n-butyl)ammoniumtetra(o-tolyl)boron and the like; N,N-dialkyl anilinium salts such asN,N-dimethylanilinium tetra(pentafluoro phenyl)boron,N,N-diethylanilinium tetra(phenyl)boron, N,N-2,4,6-pentamethylaniliniumtetra(phenyl)boron and the like; dialkyl ammonium salts such asdi(i-propyl)ammonium tetra(pentafluorophenyl)boron, dicyclohexylammoniumtetra(phenyl)boron and the like; and triaryl phosphonium salts such astriphenylphosphonium tetra(phenyl)boron, tri(methylphenyl)phosphoniumtetra(phenyl)boron, tri(dimethylphenyl)phosphonium tetra(phenyl)boronand the like.

Similar lists of suitable compounds containing other metals andmetalloids which are useful as activator components may be made, butsuch lists are not deemed necessary to a complete disclosure. In thisregard, it should be noted that the foregoing list is not intended to beexhaustive and that other useful boron compounds as well as usefulcompounds containing other metals or metalloids would be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing generalequations.

Activator components based on anions which contain a plurality of boronatoms may be represented by the following general formulae:

    [L'--H].sub.c [(CX).sub.a)(M"X').sub.m X').sub.m X'.sub.b ].sup.c-( 6)

    [L'--H].sub.d [[[(CX.sub.3).sub.a' (M"X.sub.4).sub.m' (X.sub.5).sub.b' ].sup.c- ].sub.2 M.sup.n+ ].sup.d-                        ( 7)

wherein [L'--H] is either H⁺, ammonium or a substituted ammonium cationhaving up to 3 hydrogen atoms replaced with a hydrocarbyl radicalcontaining from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms or a substituted-hydrocarbylradical, wherein one or more of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by ahalogen atom, containing from about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms,phosphonium radicals, substituted-phosphonium radicals having up to 3hydrogen atoms replaced with a hydrocarbyl radical containing from 1 toabout 20 carbon atoms or a substituted-hydrocarbyl radical, wherein 1 ormore of the hydrogen atoms is replaced by a halogen atom, containingfrom 1 to about 20 carbon atoms and the like; C is carbon; M" is boronor phosphorus; each of X, X', X", X₃ X₄ and X₅ are radicals selected,independently, from the group consisting of hydride radicals, halideradicals, hydrocarbyl radicals containing from 1 to about 20 carbonatoms, substituted-hydrocarbyl radicals, wherein one or more of thehydrogen atoms is replaced by a halogen atom, containing from 1 to 20carbon atoms, organometalloid radicals wherein each hydrocarbylsubstitution in the organo portion contains from 1 to about 20 carbonatoms and said metal is selected from Group IV-A of the Periodic Tableof the Elements and the like; M is a transitional metal; "a" and "b" areintegers>0; "c" is an integer>1; a+b+c=an even-numbered integer from 2to about 8; and "m" is an integer ranging from 5 to about 22; "a'" and"b'" are the same or a different integer >0; "c'" is an integer >2;a'+b'+c'=an even-numbered integer from 4 to about 8; "m'" is an integerfrom 6 to about 12; "n" is an integer such that 2c'-n=d; and "d" is aninteger greater than or equal to 1.

Illustrative, but not limiting, examples of second components which canbe used in preparing catalyst system utilized in the process of thisinvention wherein the anion of the second component contains a pluralityof metalloid atoms (as in formulae 5 and 6) are ammonium salts such asammonium 1-carbadodecaborate (using 1-carbadodecarborate as anillustrative, but not limiting, counterion for the ammonium cationslisted below): monohydrocarbyl-substituted ammonium salts such asmethylammonium 1-carbadodecaborate, ethylammonium 1-carbadodecaborate,propylammonium 1-carbadodecaborate, isopropylammonium1-carbadodecaborate, (n-butyl)ammonium 1-carbadodecaborate, anilinium1-carbadodecaborate, and (p-tolyl)ammonium 1-carbadodecaborate and thelike; dihydrocarbyl-substituted ammonium salts such as dimethylammonium1-carbadodecaborate, diethylammonium 1-carbadodecaborate,dipropylammonium 1-carbadodecaborate, diisopropylammonium1-carbadodecaborate, di(n-butyl) ammonium 1-carbadodecaborate,diphenylammonium 1-carbadodecaborate, di(p-tolyl)ammonium1-carbabodecaborate and the like; trihydrocarbyl-substituted ammoniumsalts such as trimethylammonium 1-carbodedecaborate, triethylammonium1-carbadodecaborate, tripropyl-ammonium 1-carbadodecaborate,tri(n-butyl) ammonium 1-carbadodecaborate, triphenylammonium1-carbadodecaborate, tri(p-tolyl)ammonium 1-carbadodecaborate,N,N-dimethylaniliniuj 1-carbadodecaborate, N,N-diethylanilinium1-carbadodecaborate and the like.

Illustrative, but not limiting examples of second compoundscorresponding to Formula 5 [using tri(n-butyl)ammonium as anillustrative, but not limiting, counterion for the anions listed below]are salts of anions such as bis[tri(n-butyl)ammonium] monaborate,bis[tri(n-butyl)ammonium]decaborate, bis[tri(n-butyl)ammonium]undecaborate, bis[tri(n-butyl)ammonium] dodecaborate,bis[tri(n-butyl)ammonium]decachlorodecaborate, tri(n-butyl)ammoniumdodecachlorododecaborate, tri(n-butyl)ammonium 1-carbadecaborate,tri(n-butyl) ammonium 1-carbaundecaborate, tri(n-butyl)ammonium1-carbadodecaborate, tri(n-butyl)ammonium1-trimethylsilyl-1-carbadecaborate, tri(n-butyl)ammoniumdibromo-1-carbadodecaborate and the like; borane and carborane complexesand salts of borane and carborane anions such as decaborane(14),7,8-dicarbaundecaborane(13), 2,7-dicarbaundecaborane(13),undecahydrido-7,8-dimethyl-7,8-dicarbaundecaborane,dodecahydrido-11-methyll-2,7-di-carbaundecaborane, tri(n-butyl) ammoniumundecaborate(14), tri(n-butyl)ammonium 6-carbadecaborate(12),tri(n-butyl)ammonium 7-carbaundecaborate(13), tri(n-butyl)ammonium7,8-dicarbaundecaborate(12), tri(n-butyl)ammonium2,9-dicarbaundecaborate(12), tri(n-butyl)ammoniumdodecahydrido-8-methyl-7,9-dicarbaundecaborate(12), tri(n-butyl)ammoniumundecahydrido-8-ethyl-7,9-dicarbaundecaborate(12), tri(n-butyl)ammoniumundecahydrido-8-butyl-7,9-dicarbaundecaborate(12), tri(n-butyl)ammoniumundecahydrido-8-allyl-7,9-dicarbaundecaborate(12), tri(n-butyl)ammoniumundecahydrido-8-trimethylsilyl-7,8-dicarbaundecaborate,tri(n-butyl)ammonium undecahydrido-4,6-dibromo-7-carbaundecaborate andthe like; boranes and carboranes and salts of boranes and carboranessuch as 4-carbanonaborane(14), 1,3-dicarbanonaborane(13),6,9-dicarbadecaborane(14), dodecahydrido-1-phenyl-1,3-dicarbanonaborane,dodecahydrido-1-methyl-1,3-dicarbanonaborane,dodecahydrido-1,3-dimethyl-1,3-dicarbanonaborane and the like.

Illustrative, but not limiting, examples of second compoundscorresponding to Formula 7 [using tri(n-butyl)ammonium as anillustrative, but not limiting, counterion for the anions listed below]are salts of metallacarborane and metallaborane anions such astri(n-butyl)ammonium bis(nonahydrido-1,3-dicarbanonaborato)cobaltate(III), tri(n-butyl)ammoniumbis(undeca-hydrido-7,8-dicarbaundecaboratoferrate(III), tri(n-butyl)ammonium bis(undecahydrido-7,8-dicarbaunaborato)cobaltate(III),tri(n-butyl)ammonium bis(undecahydrido-7,8-dicarbaunaborato)nickelate(III), tri(n-butyl)ammonium bis(nonahydrido-7,8-dimethyl-7,8-dicarbaundecaborato)ferrate(III), tri(n-butyl)ammoniumbis(nonahydrido-7,8-dimethyl-7,8-dicarbaundecaborato)chromate(III),tri(n-butyl)ammoniumbis(tribromooctahydrido-7,8-dicarbaundecaborato)cobaltate(III),tri(n-butyl)ammonium bis(dodecahydridodicarbadodecaborato)cobaltate(III), tris[tri(n-butyl)ammonium] bis(undecahydrido-7-carvaundecaborato)chromate(III), bis[tri(n-butyl)ammonium] bis(undecahydrido-7-carbaundecaborato)manganate(IV),bis[tri(n-butyl)ammonium] bis(undecahydrido-7-carbaundecaborato)cobaltate(III), and the like. A similar list of representativephosphonium compounds can be recited as illustrative second compounds,but for the sake of brevity, it is simply noted that the phosphonium andsubstituted-phosphonium salts corresponding to the listed ammonium andsubstituted-ammonium salts could be used as second compounds in thepresent invention.

CHOICE OF METALLOCENE-ACTIVATOR PAIRS

In general, and while most metallocene components identified above maybe combined with most activator components identified above to producean active olefin polymerization catalyst, it is important for continuityof the polymerization operatons that either the metal cation initiallyformed from the metallocene component or a decomposition product thereofbe a relatively stable catalyst. It is also important that the anion ofthe activator compound be stable to hydrolysis when an ammonium salt isused. Further, it is important that the acidity of the activatorcomponent be sufficient, relative to the metallocene component, tofacilitate the needed proton transfer or reaction between a ligand ofthe metallocene compound with the cation of the second component.Activator compounds containing aryl-ammonium salts such asN,N-dimethylanilinium are more acid than trialkylammonium salts andtherefore are useful with a wider variety of metallocene components. Thebasicity of the metal complex must also be sufficient to facilitate theneeded proton transfer. In general, bis(cyclopentadienyl)metal compoundswhich can be hydrolyzed by aqueous solutions can be considered suitableas metallocene components to form the catalysts described herein.

The chemical reactions which occur may be represented by reference tothe general formulae set forth herein as follows: ##EQU1##

In the foregoing reaction equations, the letters A-D correspond to thenumbers 1-4, respectively, set forth in combination with the generalequations for useful metallocene compounds. B' represents a compatibleion corresponding to the general formulae outlined in formulae 5, 6 and7 above. When the metallocene and activator components used to preparethe improved catalysts of the present invention are combined in asuitable solvent or diluent, all or a part of the cation of theactivator (the acidic proton) combines with one of the substituents onthe metallocene compound. In the case where the metallocene componenthas a formula corresponding to that of general formula 1, a neutralcompound is liberated, which neutral compound either remains in solutionor is liberated as a gas. In this regard, it should be noted that ifeither X₁ or X₂ in the metallocene component is a hydride, hydrogen gasmay be liberated. Similarly, if either X₁ or X₂ is a methyl radical,methane may be liberated as a gas. In the cases where the firstcomponent has a formula corresponding to those of general formulae 2, 3or 4 (optional), one of the substituents on the metallocene component isprotonated but no substituent is liberated. In general, the stabilityand rate of formation of the products in the foregoing reactionequations will vary depending upon the choice of the solvent, theacidity of the [L'--H]⁺ selected, the particular L', the anion, thetemperature at which the reaction is completed and the particularcyclopentadienyl derivative of the metal selected.

With respect to the combination of the metallocene component with theactivator component to form a catalyst of this invention, it should benoted that the two compounds combined for preparation of the activecatalyst must be selected so as to avoid transfer of a fragment of theanion to the metal cation, thereby forming a catalytically inactivespecies. This could be done by steric hindrance, resulting fromsubstitutions of the cyclopentadienyl carbon atoms as well assubstitutions of the non-coordinating anion.

It follows, then, that the metallocene components comprisingperhydrocarbyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl radicals could beeffectively used with a broader range of activator compounds than couldmetallocene components comprising unsubstituted cyclopentadienylradicals.

As the amount and size of the substitutions on the cyclopentadienylradicals are reduce, however, more effective catalysts are obtained withactivator compounds containing non-coordinating anions which are largerin size and more resistant to degradation. In the case where thenon-coordinating anion is an anionic coordination complex, such as atetraphenylboron derivative, substitutions on the phenyl rings can beused to prevent the transfer of a proton or an entire phenyl group fromthe anion to the metal. This can be accomplished by alkyl substitutionin the ortho positions of the phenyl groups, or, more preferably, byperfluoro-substitutions on the anion. Thus, anionic coordinationcomplexes containing perfluorphenyl-, trifluoromethylphenyl-, orbis-trifluoromethylphenyl rings are preferred to this subgenus ofactivator components. When the non-coordinating anion contains aplurality of boron atoms as described in general formulae 6 and 7, moreeffective catalysts are obtained with activator compounds containinglarger anions, such as those encompassed by Equation 7 and those havinglarger m values in Equation 6. In these cases it is further preferablewhen using second compounds which are encompassed by Equation 6, thata+b'c=2. Second compounds in which a+b+c=even-numbered integers of 4 ormore have acidic B-H-B moieties which can react further with the metalcation formed, leading to catalytically inactive compounds.

As indicated supra, most metallocene compounds will combine with mostactivator compounds to give an active polymerization catalyst. Theinitially formed catalyst is not, however, always sufficiently stable asto permit its separation and subsequent identification. However,catalysts which are thermally stable are preferred. Three structurallydistinct forms of thermally stable ionic catalysts have been identifiedby NMR spectroscopy and are shown below in equation 8.

    [A--CpMX.sub.1 ][(C.sub.2 B.sub.9 H.sub.11).sub.2 Co]      (8a)

    [A--CpMX.sub.1 (L')[]B(C.sub.6 F.sub.5).sub.3 (X.sub.3)]   (8b)

    [(A--CpMX.sub.1).sub.2 X.sub.1 ][B']                       (8c)

In the foregoing reactions the symbols A--Cp, M, X₁, L' and X₃correspond to the definitions set forth in equations 1-4 and 5-5a,respective; B' represents a compatible non-coordinating anioncorresponding to the general formulae set forth in equations 5, 6 and 7.In example 8a, NMR spectroscopy indicates that the metallocarboraneanion is weakly bound to the metal center; the byproduct L' does notform an observable coordination complex with the metallocene center. In8b, NMR experiments indicate that the fluorinated boron anion iscompletely non-coordinating and that L', weakly coordinates to andstabilizes the metallocene cation when the tertiary amine (L') is ananiline derivative. The ability of L' to coordinate to the metal isimportant to the stability of the catalyst systems which have highlynoncoordinating anions. The Lewis basicity of the L' can affect the rateof polymerization and other polymerization parameters. Experience hasshown that when the bulk of the amine of the metallocene cation isincreased by substitutions on the nitrogen atom or the cyclopentadienylligands respectively, the ability for the amine to coordinate to themetal center decreases. Addition of excess metallocene ACpM(X₁)₂ to 8aor 8b results in displacement of the anion in 8a or the aniline ligandin 8b to form a stable dimeric cation 8c.

While in general, organometallic complexes which are reactive towardsoxygen, water, and similar impurities and which do not release polargroups--such as halides or oxygenates--which can irreversibly coordinateto the catalyst active site, preferred additive compounds areorganometallic complexes of the Group III-A element represented by thefollowing general formula:

Group III-A additive compounds suitable for use in preparing catalystsystems of the invention are represented by the following generalformula: ##STR1## wherein, M is a Group III-A element, preferablyaluminum and boron; R, R₁ and R₂ are, independently, a straight orbranched chain alkyl radical, a cyclic hyrocarbyl radical, analkyl-substituted cyclohydrocarbyl radical, an aromatic radical or analkyl-substituted radical of C₁ to C₂₀ in carbon number. R₂ may also bean alkoxide radical of C₁ to C₂₀ in carbon number.

Illustrative, but non-limiting, examples of Group III-A elementcompounds which are suitable are: when M is aluminum (Al) the trialkylaluminums such as trimethyl aluminum, triethyl aluminum, tri-n-propylaluminum tri-isopropyl aluminum, tri-n-butyl aluminum, tri-sec-butylaluminum, tri-t-butyl aluminum, tri-isobutyl aluminum, tri-n-pentylaluminum, tri-isopentyl aluminum, tri-neopentyl aluminum, tricyclopentylaluminum, tri-n-hexyl aluminum, tri-(4-methylphenyl) aluminum,tri-(3-methylphenyl) aluminum, tricyclohexyl aluminum, and the like;alkyl aluminums such as dimethylethyl aluminum, methyldiethyl aluminum,ethyldimethyl aluminum, dimethyl-n-propyl aluminum, methyldi-n-propylaluminum, dimethylisopropyl aluminum, dimethylcyclohexyl aluminum,methylethylpropyl aluminum, and the like, aryl and alkyl-substitutedaluminums, such as triphenyl aluminum, tri-p-tolyl aluminum, tri-m-tolylaluminum, tri-p-ethyl aluminum, and the like. Also suitable are aluminumalkoxides and aryloxides such as dimethyl aluminum methoxide, dimethylaluminum ethoxide, diethyl aluminum ethoxide, diethyl aluminumisopropoxide, methyl ethyl aluminum methoxide, dimethyl aluminum4-methylphenoxide, demethyl aluminum 3-methylphenoxide, dimethylaluminum 2,6-diisopropylphenoxide, dimethyl aluminum2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenoxide, and the like.

A similar list of illustrative Group III-A element compounds when M isboron could be made for the trialkyl boranes, alkyl boranes, and alkylborane alkoxides. Also a similar list could be given for the analogouscompound of gallium and indium. Such list would be nearly identical tothat already presented with respect to the aluminum species of GroupIII-A element compounds and therefore such listing of the boroneanalogues and other III-A elements analogues are not necessary to acomplete disclosure.

Preferred Group III-A element compounds are those where M is aluminum orboron. Of the aluminum species of Group III-A element compounds, themost preferred are trialkylaluminums, and of the trialkylaluminums themost preferred are triethylaluminum and trimethylaluminum. Of the groupII-A element compounds wherein M is boron, the preferred boron speciesof Group III-A element compounds are trialkylboranes of which the mostpreferred is triethylborane.

POLYMERIZATION PROCESS

The process of this invention is one which polymerizes olefins,diolefins, cyclic olefins, and acetylenically unsaturated monomers toprovide polyolefine homo and copolymers of narrow molecular weightdistribution and higher weight average molecular weights than thatheretofore attainable with a metallocene activated to an active catalystspecies by an alkyl aluminum or alumoxane cocatalyst. The process ofthis invention obtains such high molecular weight polyolefins at a rateof ionic metallocene catalyst productivity which is substantiallygreater than heretofore observed for a system of ionic metallocenecatalyst.

The catalysts of this invention can be employed in gas phasepolymerization process, solution polymerization process, including highpressure and bulk monomer polymerization processes. In a gas phaseprocess the ionic catalyst would be desirably supported as described incopending U.S. application 459,921, filed Jan. 2, 1990.

A preferred polymerization process is bulk monomer or solution,including high pressure processes, comprises the steps of: (1)contacting one or more monomers in a polymerization diluent with theionic metallocene catalyst and additive compound; (2) continuing thecontact of such monomer with such catalyst system for a time sufficientto polymerize at least a portion of such monomer; and (3) recovering apolymer product.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, abis(cyclopentadienyl)-Group IV-B metal compound containing two,independently, substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl radicalsand one or two lower alkyl substituents and/or one or two hydridesubstituents will be combined with a tri-substituted ammonium salt ofeither a substituted or unsubstituted tetra(aromatic)boron. Each of thetri-substitutions in the ammonium cation will be the same or a differentlower alkyl or aryl radical. By lower alkyl is meant an alkyl radicalcontaining from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. When the bis(cyclopentadienyl)metalcompound used is a bis(perhydrocarbyl-substituted cyclopentadienyl)metalcompound, an unsubstituted or partially substituted tetra(aromatic)boronsalt may be used. Tri(n-butyl)ammonium tetra(phenyl)boron,tri(n-butyl)ammonium tetra(p-tolyl)boron and tri(n-butyl)ammoniumtetra(p-ethylphenyl)boron are particularly preferred. As the number ofhydrocarbyl-substitutions on the cyclopentadienyl radicals is reduced,however, substituted anions will be used in the tri-substituted ammoniumsalts, particularly, pentafluoro-substituted anions.N,N-dimethyl-anilinium tetra(fluorophenyl)boron is particularlypreferred.

Certain of the catalysts of this invention, particularly those based ona hafnocenes--using the catalyst produced from the reaction ofbis(cyclopentadienyl)hafnium dimethyl and the tri-substituted ammoniumsalt of tetra(pentafluorophenyl)boron as an example--when used asdescribed herein for the polymerization and copolymerization ofα-olefins, diolefins, and/or acetylenically unsaturated monomers, in theabsence of a chain transfer agent, can lead to the production ofextremely high molecular weight polymers and copolymers havingrelatively narrow molecular weight distributions. In this regard, itshould be noted that homopolymers and copolymers having molecular weightup to about 2×10⁶ or higher and molecular weight distributions withinthe range of about 1.5 to about 15 can be produced with the catalysts ofthis invention.

The ionic metallocene catalysts containing a metallocene component whichis either a pure enantiomer or the racemic mixture of two enantionmersof a rigid, chiral metallocene can polymerize prochiral olefins(propylene and higher α-olefins) to isotactic polymers.Bis(cyclopentadienyl)metal compounds in which each of thecyclopentadienyl radicals is substituted and containing a covalentbridging group between the two cyclopentadienyl radicals areparticularly useful for isotactic polymerization of this type. Prochiralmetallocenes, for example these based on complexes ofisopropyl-2-cyclopentadienyl-2-(1-fluorenyl) hafnium, can be used topolymerize propylene or higher α-olefins to syndiotactic polymers.

A particularly surprising feature of some of the ionic metallocenecatalysts, particularly those based on hafnocenes in combination with anactivator component comprising perfluorinated tetraphenylborate anions,is that when these catalysts are used to copolymerize α-olefins, eitheralone or in combination with diolefins, the amount of higher molecularweight olefin or diolefin incorporated into the copolymer issignificantly increased when compared to copolymers prepared with themore conventional Ziegler-Natta type catalysts andbis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium catalysts. The relative rates of reactionof ethylene and higher α-olefins with the aforementioned hafnium-basedcatalysts of this invention are much closer than with conventionalZiegler-Natta type catalysts of the Group IV-B metals. The comonomerdistribution in copolymers prepared with the ionic metallocenecatalysts, particularly with the lower α-olefins and lower diolefins,will range from near perfectly alternating to statistically random.Consequently, the hafnocene based ionic metallocene catalysts areparticularly preferred.

While the ionic metallocene catalysts do not contain pyrophoric species,it is nevertheless preferred that the catalyst components be handled inan inert, moisture-free, oxygen-free environment such as argon,nitrogen, or helium because of the sensitivity of the catalystcomponents to moisture and oxygen. The Group III-A element compoundsmust also be handled in a similar manner.

In the preferred method, the metallocene and activator components arecombined in a first step in an aromatic solvent to produce a solution ofthe ionic metallocene catalyst. This reaction may be carried out in thetemperature range of about -100° C. to about 300° C., preferably about0° to about 100° C. Holding times to allow for the completion of thereaction may range from about 10 seconds to about 60 minutes dependingupon variables such as reaction temperature and choice of reactants.

Once the ionic metallocene catalyst component is formed, the order ormethod of addition of the additive element compound to thepolymerization diluent with ionic metallocene catalyst is not critical.That is, the catalyst system may be formed by: 1) first adding theadditive compound to the polymerization diluent followed by addition ofthe ionic metallocene catalyst; 2) direct addition of the additivecompound to a solution of ionic metallocene catalyst after which thecommon solution is added to a polymerization diluent; or 3) a portion ofthe additive compound may be added to a liquid monomer and supplied tothe polymerization diluent containing ionic metallocene catalysts as theliquid monomer is supplied to the diluent. When a liquid monomer is usedin the polymerization process, it is preferred to add the additivecompound to the liquid monomer. The additive may be added neat or as asolution in a suitable hydrocarbon solvent, preferably an aliphatic oraromatic solvent.

The use of too great or too small an amount of additive compound informing a catalyst system of the invention will result in a decrease ofthe advantages of this invention. The optimum amount of additivecompound for use in producing catalyst systems of the invention isdependent, in part upon the amount of undesirable impurities containedin the polymerization diluent and/or monomers. In a typicalpolymerization process, it is expected that the optimum amount ofadditive compound to be added to obtain a catalyst system of maximumproductivity will amount to a mole ratio of additive compound tocatalyst of from about 0.1:1 to about 200:1, preferably 1:1 to 150:1.

For a given polymerization process, the optimum amount of additivecompound to be added to a polymerization diluent in which an ionicmetallocene catalyst component is present for forming a catalyst systemof enhanced activity may readily be determined by monitoring the levelof monomer consumption while adding the additive compound to thepolymerization diluent until an amount of additive compound has beenadded which maximizes the rate at which the monitored monomer isconsumed in the polymerization reaction. Alternatively, a portion of theadditive compound is first added to the polymerization diluent afterwhich the ionic metallocene catalyst is added and polymerization isinitiated and the rate of monomer consumption is monitored, Then, whilepolymerization is ongoing, an additional quantity of the additivecompound is added and the consumption is observed. It should, however,be borne in mind that the objective of adding the additive is toneutralize adventitious impurities such as water or oxygen so that thelevel of additive addition should also be proportioned to the level ofimpurities present. Thus, it may be advantageous to pretreat a monomerhaving a relatively high level of such impurities with the additivebefore the monomer is brought into contact with the catalyst system.

In general, the catalyst systems of this invention will polymerizeolefins, diolefins and/or acetylenically unsaturated monomers eitheralone or in combination with other olefins and/or other unsaturatedmonomers at conditions well known in the prior art for conventionalZiegler-Natta catalysts.

Monomers which may be used in practice of the process include α-olefins,diolefins, and acetylenically unsaturated hydrocarbons containing fromabout 2 to about 18 carbon atoms. Such monomers include cyclic andacyclic hydrocarbons, and straight or branched chain hydrocarbons.Illustrative, and not limiting, of suitable monomers are: ethylene,propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexane, 1-octene, 1-decene and thelike; 2-methyl-1-propene, 3-methyl-1-butene, 2-methyl-1-butene,3-methyl-1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, and the like; 1,3-butadiene,1,4-pentadiene, 1,5-hexadiene, 1,4-hexadiene and the like; cyclopentene,cyclohexene, cycloheptane, and the like; propyne, butadyne, 1-4-hexadyneand the like.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention,bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl or bis(cyclopentadienyl)hafniumdimethyl is reacted with N,N-dimethylaniliniumtetra(pentafluorophenyl)boron to produce the most preferred ionicmetallocene catalyst. The metallocene and activator are combined at atemperature within the range from about 0° C. to about 100° C.,preferably in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent, most preferably toluene.Nominal holding times within the range from about 10 seconds to about 60minutes are sufficient to produce the preferred ionic metallocenecatalyst. The ionic metallocene catalyst is thereafter added to apolymerization diluent to which a Group III-A element compound,preferably triethylaluminum or triethylboron, has previously been added.The catalyst system so resulting is then, immediately after formation,used to polymerize a lower α-olefin, particularly ethylene or propylene,most preferably ethylene, at a temperature within the range from about0° C. to about 100° C., more preferably at from about 25° to 100° C.,and at a pressure within the range from about 15 to about 500 psig. In amost preferred embodiment of the present invention, the most preferredcatalyst system is used either to homopolymerize ethylene or tocopolymerize ethylene with a lower α-olefin having from 3 to 6 carbonatoms, thereby yielding a plastic or an elastomeric copolymer. In bothpreferred process embodiments, the monomers are maintained atpolymerization conditions for a nominal holding time within the rangefrom about 1 to about 60 minutes and the system is within the range fromabout 10⁻⁶ to about 10⁻⁵ moles of Group IV-B metal per liter ofpolymerization diluent, while a mole ratio of the Group III-A elementcompound to activator compound employed is maintained at from about 15:1to about 150:1.

The following examples serve to illustrate the invention and some of itsadvantages and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention asdisclosed above or claimed hereafter.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Ethylene was polymerized in a hexane diluent. Dry, oxygen-free hexane(400 ml) was added to a 1 liter stainless-steel autoclave previouslyflushed with nitrogen. Under nitrogen, a toluene solution (20 ml)containing 0.2 moles of triethylborane was transferred into theautoclave by means of a double-ended needle, followed by a solution ofbis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl (3 mg) and N,N-dimethylaniliniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron (1.5 mg) in toluene (5 ml). Theautoclave was pressured with 90 psig of ethylene and stirred at 40° C.After 1 hour, the autoclave was vented and opened. The yield of linearpolyethylene was 52.8 g. The polymer had a weight average molecularweight (M_(w)) of 449,000 with a molecular weight distribution (MWD) of1.98. When the same procedure was followed except that no triethylboranewas added, the yield of linear polyethylene was 13.3 g with a M_(w) of455,000 and a MWD of 2.04.

Example 2

The procedure of Example 1 was repeated with the exception that atoluene solution (5 ml) containing bis(cyclopentadienyl)hafnium dimethyl(4mg) and N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron (1.5mg) was used. The yield of linear polyethylene was 24.6 g with a M_(w)of 1,424,000 and a MWD of 2.46. When the same procedure was followedexcept that no triethylborane was added, the yield of linearpolyethylene was 3.5 g with a M_(w) of 485,000 and a MWD of 2.10.

EXAMPLE 3

Ethylene was polymerized in a hexane diluent. Dry, oxygen-free hexane(400 ml) was added to a 1 liter stainless-steel autoclave previouslyflushed with nitrogen. Under nitrogen, a toluene solution (20 ml)containing 0.2 mmoles of triethylborane was transferred into theautoclave by means of a double-ended needle. A catalyst solution ofbis(cyclopentadienyl)hafnium dimethyl (18 mg) and N,N-dimethylaniliniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron (6 mg) in toluene (20 ml) was theninjected into the autoclave by nitrogen pressure. The autoclave waspressured with 90 psig of ethylene and stirred at 40° C. After 30minutes, the autoclave was vented and opened. The yield of linearpolyethylene was 28.7 g. When the same procedure was followed exceptthat no triethylborane was used, the yield of linear polyethylene was12.6 g.

Comparative Example 3a

The procedure of Example 3 was repeated with the exception that atoluene solution (10 ml) containing triethylborane (0.1 mmole) wasinjected into the reactor first, followed by a toluene solution (30 ml)containing the catalyst of Example 3 and triethylborane (0.1 mmole). Theyield of linear polyethylene was 30.9 g.

Comparative Example 3b

The procedure of Example 3 was repeated with the exception thattriethylborane (0.2 mmoles) was contacted with the catalyst solution ofExample 3 and the mixture injected into the autoclave. The yield oflinear polyethylene was 33.3 g.

Example 4

The procedure of Example 1 was repeated using 20 ml of a toluenesolution containing triethylaluminum (0.2 mmoles), followed by 10 ml oftoluene solution containing 3 mg of bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconiumdimethyl and 3 mg of N,N-dimethylaniliniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron. The yield of linear polyethylene was56.0 g with a M_(w) or 313,000 and a MWD of 2.52. When the sameprocedure was followed except that no triethylaluminum was added, thelinear polyethylene yield was 9.2 g with a M_(w) of 377,000 and a MWD of2.54.

Example 5

The procedure of Example 4 was repeated with the exception that atoluene solution (20 ml) containing 3 mg bis(cyclopentadienyl)hafniumdimethyl and 6 mg of N,N-dimethylaniliniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron) was used. The yield of linearpolyethylene was 7.8 g as compared to zero yield in the absence oftriethylaluminum when the same procedure was followed.

Comparative Example 5a

The procedure of Example 5 was repeated with the exception that 36 mg ofbis(cyclopentadienyl)hafnium dimethyl was used and theN,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron was omitted. Nopolyethylene was formed.

Example 6

The procedure of Example 1 was repeated using a toluene solution (20 ml)containing 0.2 mmole of tri-sec-butylborane, followed by 10 ml of atoluene solution containing 2 mg of bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconiumdimethyl and 6 mg of N,N-dimethylaniliniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron). The yield of linear polyethylene was2.12 g. The polymer had a M₂ of 464,000 with a MWD of 2.08. When thesame procedure was followed but no tri-sec-butylborane was added, theyield of linear polyethylene was 0.8 g with a M_(w) of 509,000 and a MWDof 2.06.

Example 7

The procedure of Example 6 was repeated with the exception that atoluene solution (10 ml) containing 3 mg of bis(cyclopentadienyl)hafniumdimethyl and 6 mg of N,N-dimethylaniliniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron) was used. The temperature rose to 52°C. during the course of polymerization. The yield of linear polyethylenewas 6.3 g. The polymer had a M_(w) of 835,000 and a MWD of 1.62. Whenthe same procedure was followed but no tri-sec-butylborane was added,the yield of linear polyethylene was 1.7 g with a M_(w) of 884,000 and aMWD of 1.99.

Example 8

The procedure of Example 1 was repeated using a toluene solution (20 ml)containing 0.2 mmole trimethylaluminum, followed by a toluene solution(10 ml) containing 1 mg of bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl and3.5 mg of N,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron. Theyield of linear polyethylene was 40.4 g as compared to trace quantitieswhen the same procedure was followed in the absence oftrimethylaluminum.

Example 9

The procedure of Example 1 was repeated using 2 ml of a solutioncontaining 1 ml of a 25.4 wt. % solution of diethylaluminum ethoxidediluted to 20 ml with toluene, followed by 10 ml of a toluene solutioncontaining 4 mg of bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dimethyl and 12 mg ofN,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron. The yield oflinear polyethylene was 43 g as compared to no yield in the absence ofdiethylaluminum ethoxide when the same procedure was used.

Example 10

The procedure of Example 9 was repeated using a toluene solution (10 ml)containing 3 mg of bis(cyclopentadienyl)hafnium dimethyl and 6 mg ofN,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron. The yield oflinear polyethylene was 4.75 g. The M_(w) of the polymer was 1,101,000and the MWD was 1.55. When the same procedure was followed in theabsence of diethylaluminum, the yield of linear polyethylene was 4.0 gwith a M_(w) of 899,000 and a MWD of 1.53.

Example 11

In this procedure, ethylene and propylene were copolymerized by adding,under a nitrogen atmosphere, 0.2 ml of a 25 wt. % solution oftriethylaluminum in hexane followed by 10 ml of a toluene solutioncontaining 36 mg of bis(cyclopentadienyl)hafnium dimethyl and 11 mg ofN,N-dimethylanilinium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron to a 1 literstainless-steel autoclave previously flushed with nitrogen. Propylene(400 ml) was then added to the autoclave which heated to 40° C .andfurther pressurized with 200 psig of ethylene. After 30 minutes, theautoclave was vented and opened. The yield of ethylene-propylenecopolymer was 65 g. The copolymer contained 67 wt. % ethylene, and had amolecular weight of 210,000 and a molecular weight distribution of 1.98.Under similar conditions, but in the absence of triethyaluminum, 37grams of an ethylene-propylene copolymer were obtained with an ethylenecontent of 56 wt. %, a molecular weight of 548,000 and a molecularweight distribution of 1.66.

Example 12

The procedure of Example 11 was repeated using 0.2 mmole triethylborane,instead of triethylaluminum, and a toluene solution (10 ml) containing24 mg of bis(cyclopentadienyl)hafnium dimethyl and 8 mg oftetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron. The yield of ethylene-propylenecopolymer was 10.8 g. The copolymer contained 60.8 wt. % ethylene, andhad a M_(w) of 508,000 and a MWD of 1.74. Under similar conditions, butin the absence of triethylborane, 2.0 g of polymer were obtained with anethylene content of 31.9 wt. %, a M_(w) of 541,000 and a MWD of 1.88.

The invention has been described with reference to its preferredembodiments. Those of skill in the art may appreciate from thedescription changes and modifications which may be made which do notdepart from the scope and spirit of the invention as described above andclaimed hereafter.

We claim:
 1. A method of polymerizing ethylene, α-olefins, diolefin,cyclic olefins, acetylenically unsaturated monomers or mixtures of thesemonomers, comprising the steps of:(I) contacting such monomer or monomermixture with a catalyst system comprising, (a) a reaction product of (i)a bis(cyclopentadienyl)Group IV-B metal compound; and (ii) an activatorcompound comprising (1) a cation which will irreversibly react with atleast one ligand of the Group IV-B metal compound, and (2) a labile,bulky anion which is a single coordination complex having a plurality oflipophilic radicals or a plurality of boron atoms covalently coordinatedto and shielding a central charge-bearing metal or metalloid atom; (b)an organometallic additive compound; and (II) continuing the contactingstep of (I) for a sufficient period of time to polymerize at least aportion of the monomer.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the additivecompound is represented by the formula: ##STR2## wherein M" is a GroupIII-A element; each of R,R' and R" is a straight or branched chain alkylradical of C₁ -C₂₀ in carbon number, and R" may be an alkoxide radical.3. The method of claim 2 wherein the catalyst system comprises a ratioof activator to Group IV-B metal compound from about 1:1 to about 20:1.4. The method of claim 3 the catalyst system comprises a molar ratio ofGroup III-A element compound to activator compound of from about 0.1:1to about 200:1.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the contacting of step(I) is maintained at a temperature of from about -100° to about 300° C.6. The method of claim 5 wherein the bis(cyclopentadienyl) Group IV-Bmetal compound is represented by one of the following general formulae:##STR3## wherein M is a Group IV-B metal;(A--Cp) is either (Cp)(Cp*) orCp--A'--Cp* and Cp and Cp* are the same or different substituted orunsubstituted cyclopentadienyl radical; A' is a covalent bridging group;L is an olefin, diolefin, or aryne ligand; X₁ and X₂ are, independently,hydride radical, hydrocarbyl radical, substituted-hydrocarbyl radical,or organometalloid radical; or X'₁ and X'₂ are joined and bound to the Mmetal atom to form a metallacycle, in which the M metal atom, X'₁ andX'₂ form a hydrocarbocyclic ring containing from about 3 to about 20carbon atoms; and p1 R is a substituent on one cyclopentadienyl radicalwhich is bound to the M metal atom.
 7. The method of claim 6, whereinsaid activator compound is represented by the following generalformulae:

    [(L'--H).sup.+ ]d[(M').sup.m+ Q.sub.1 Q.sub.2. . . Q.sub.n ].sup.d-

wherein: L' is a neutral Lewis base, H is a hydrogen atom, and [L'--H]is a Bronsted acid; M' is a metal or metalloid selected from Groups V-B,VI-B, VII-B, VIII, I-B, II-B, III-A, IV-A and V-A; Q₁ to Q_(n) are,independently, hydride radical, dialkylamido radical, alkoxide radical,aryloxide radical, hydrocarbyl radical, substituted-hydrocarbyl radicalor organometalloid radical and any one, but not more than Q1 to Qnhalide; m is an integer from 1 to 7; n is an integer from 2 to 8;andn-m=d.
 8. The method of claim 2, wherein the Group III-A elementcompound comprises a trialkylaluminum, a trialkylborane or mixturesthereof.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein said activator compound isrepresented by the following general formula:

    [L'--H].sup.+ [BAr.sub.1 Ar.sub.2 X.sub.3 X.sub.4 ].sup.-

wherein: L' is a neutral Lewis base, H is a hydrogen atom, and [L'--H]⁺is a Bronsted acid; B is boron in a valence state of 3; Ar₁ and Ar₂ arethe same or different aromatic or substituted-aromatic hydrocarbonradicals which radical may be linked to each other through a stablebridging group; and X₃ and X₄ are, hydride radical, halide radical,hydrocarbyl radical substituted-hydrocarbyl radical, or anorganometalloid radical.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein saidactivator compound is a trisubstituted ammonium salt of a substitutedaromatic boron compound.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein saidactivator compound is tri(n-butyl)ammoniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron or N,N-dimethylaniliniumtetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)boron.
 12. The method of claim 11, whereinthe metallocene component is a chiral component.
 13. The method of claim12, wherein prochiral olefins are polymerized to stereoregular polymers.14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the catalyst system issupported on silica, alumina or mixtures thereof.
 15. The methodaccording to claim 14, wherein the catalyst system is prepolymerized.